--The Asahi Shimbun, May 20
EDITORIAL: Competition needed to stoke innovation, creativity
マイナス成長―変革力育む環境作りを
As expected, the Great East Japan Earthquake caused great damage to the nation's economy.
東日本大震災が日本経済に与えた痛手はやはり大きかった。
Gross domestic product for the January-March period showed an annualized drop of 3.7 percent in real terms.
GDP has contracted for two consecutive quarters since the October-December period, when the economy started to level off.
今年１～３月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は実質で年率３．７％減少し、踊り場に入った昨年１０～１２月期から２四半期連続のマイナスとなった。
Before the March 11 disaster, the nation's economy was expected to go on an offensive in an increasingly multipolar global market following the recovery of the U.S. economy. But the earthquake took the wind out of Japan's sails.
本来なら日本経済は、米経済の持ち直しを受け、多極化する世界市場に向けて攻勢に出ていたはずだ。その出ばなを震災でくじかれた。
The April-June quarter is also expected to undergo economic contraction, according to private-sector estimates.
民間予測では４～６月期もマイナスという。
While demand for reconstruction rose smoothly after the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, the situation this time differs mainly on two points.
阪神大震災の時には復興需要がスムーズに出てきたが、今回は主に二つの点で事情が異なる。
One is the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co.
まず、東京電力の福島第一原発の事故だ。
With the decline in electric power supply centering on the Tokyo metropolitan area covered by TEPCO, prolonged restrictions on economic activities are unavoidable.
東電がカバーする首都圏を中心に電力供給の低下により、経済活動への制約が長引くことが避けられない。
Second, the supply chain, or a highly mutually dependent supply network of parts that developed in the assembly-oriented manufacturing industry, suffered serious damage.
さらに、組み立て型製造業で発達したサプライチェーンと呼ばれる高度に相互依存的な部品供給態勢が、深刻な打撃を被ったことだ。
For example, assembly plants of many automakers would stop if a semiconductor plant is unable to make microcontrollers for electronic controls.
たとえば半導体工場で電子制御用のマイコンがつくれなくなると、それだけで多くの自動車会社の組み立て工場が止まる、という事態だ。
The earthquake put before us a new question: What should be done for the Japanese economy to continue to provide top-level products and services to meet the needs and purchasing power of various markets around the world?
日本経済が、今後も最高の製品やサービスを世界の様々な市場のニーズと購買力に合わせて提供していくためには、どうしたらいいのか。震災は新たな課題を突きつけた。
Japan must come up with highly advanced products that cannot be found anywhere else to overcome the yen's appreciation and continue exporting.
日本が円高を克服して輸出を続けるには、一芸を究めるような高度な製品作りが切り札になる。
However, manufacturing centers of such products tend to be concentrated on one site when volume efficiency and other factors are taken into account.
だが、これは量産効果などを踏まえると製造場所が１カ所に絞られる傾向が強まる。
Such risks were exposed by the severing of the supply chain by the earthquake.
震災によるサプライチェーンの分断は、このリスクを顕在化させた。
There is also a possibility that international customers may re-examine their overdependence on Japanese parts and materials.
世界の顧客が部品や素材の日本への過度な依存を見直す可能性もある。
Manufacturers are urged to disperse production centers and take other measures to prevent customers from going elsewhere.
客離れに至らぬよう、生産拠点の分散などの手を打っていきたい。
Meanwhile, the expansion of the service industry is attracting attention as a growth strategy.
一方、成長戦略としてサービス産業の拡充に期待が集まっている。
Still, there is a need to review Japan's real capabilities comprehensively when we think about the failure of two giant service companies--TEPCO's nuclear power plant accident and Mizuho Bank's system trouble--both triggered by the earthquake.
だが、震災が引き金となった二つの巨大サービス企業のつまずき、すなわち東電の原発事故と、みずほ銀行のシステム障害を考えると、日本の実力を総点検する必要がある。
Large corporations protected by monopoly or oligopoly may be suffering from systemic fatigue more than we realize.
独占や寡占に守られた大企業は、私たちが自覚する以上に制度疲労を起こしているのではないか。
Such a situation may be standing in the way of innovation and nipping creative ideas in the bud.
それが革新や創造の芽を摘んでいないか。
If so, creating an environment to make companies stronger through competition becomes more important than ever.
とすれば、競争を通じて企業を鍛え直す環境作りが一段と重要になる。
Kaoru Yosano, minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy, expressed confidence for the future, saying, "The resilience of the Japanese economy is sufficiently strong."
与謝野馨経済財政相は「日本経済の反発力は十分に強い」と先行きに自信を見せた。
But instead of simply relying on natural resilience, we should sort out our strengths and weaknesses and cultivate the power to transform ourselves and open up the future with new ideas and ingenuity.
だが、自然な反発力に期待するだけでなく、強みと弱みを洗い出し、新たな発想や工夫で未来を切り開く変革力も育みたい。
2011/05/22
2011/05/21
金言：内向きの心情を懸念＝西川恵
(Mainichi Japan) May 20, 2011
Japan must look outward, not just inward, after quake
金言：内向きの心情を懸念＝西川恵
＜ｋｉｎ－ｇｏｎ＞
Since the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, diplomatic pressure on Japan has, on the whole, been easing.
東日本大震災以後、日本に対する外交的圧力が全般的に緩和している。
Sympathy is one reason for this; another is that countries are looking to adopt a new approach and break the deadlock that their relations with Japan have reached.
同情もあるが、これを機に新たな局面にステップアップしたい、袋小路にある対日関係を打開するきっかけにしたい、といった各国各様の狙いがある。
The United States, Australia, France and other countries whose leaders rushed to Japan's side right after the earthquake, have been making new pledges to assist Japan.
米、豪、フランスなど、震災から間を置かず首脳らが駆けつけた国々は、新たな協力を次々に申し出ている。
France, for example, will help decontaminate water from the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant from June.
例えばフランス企業は６月から福島第１原発の放射能汚染水の除染に取りかかる。
An official from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented, "I never knew France had such know-how about nuclear power plants."
「フランスが原発でこれほどノウハウをもっていたとは知らなかった」と外務省幹部は語る。
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's tour of disaster areas in Japan from May 21 is representative of the harmonious approach that these countries have been taking.
日本とギクシャクしてきた中国の温家宝首相が、韓国の李明博大統領とあす２１日、被災地を訪問するのも融和姿勢を象徴する。
Immediately after the quake, China sent an international rescue team to Japan for the first time, and Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the Japanese Embassy in China and expressed his condolences to Japan.
震災直後、中国は初めて国際救助隊を日本に派遣し、胡錦濤国家主席は日本大使館を訪問して哀悼の意を表明した。
The visit to the disaster areas is an extension of this goodwill.
被災地訪問はこの延長線にある。
Russia also dispatched a team of more that 160 rescuers to Japan after the quake.
ロシアも１６０人以上の救援隊を派遣。
Meanwhile, one major Russian newspaper made the rare step of carrying a column calling for the return of the four Russian-controlled islands known in Japan as the Northern Territories -- hinting at a slight change in public sentiment toward Japan.
ロシア大衆紙が「北方四島を返還しよう」という異例のコラムを掲載したのも、ロシアの対日世論の変化の一端をうかがわせた。
A similar state of affairs was seen after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.
The earthquake hit at a time when Japan was becoming isolated from the international community, but after it struck, diplomatic pressure on Japan temporarily eased.
日本が国際社会で孤立を深めていた関東大震災（１９２３年）の時も、日本への外交的圧力が一時、緩和した。
An official telegram sent by Paul Claudel, a famous writer who at the time served as French ambassador to Japan, pointed this out. (The telegram is listed in Claudel's book "Correspondance Diplomatique. Tokyo 1921-1927," whose Japanese translation is published by Soshisha Publishing Co.)
著名な作家で、当時、駐日大使だったフランスのポール・クローデルが、このことを本国に送った公電で指摘している（「孤独な帝国 日本の一九二〇年代」草思社）。
In 1921, Britain, which had decided to terminate the Anglo-Japanese alliance, planned to turn Singapore into a naval port to resist Japan's advances into Asia.
２１年に日英同盟の破棄を決めた英国は日本のアジア進出に対抗し、シンガポール軍港化を計画していた。
But after the quake, some analysts called for abandoning the plan.
しかし震災で計画の放棄を主張する識者が出始めた。
In China, meanwhile, the anti-Japanese sentiment that had arisen in response to Japan's 21 Demands to China in 1915 diminished.
中国では日本の２１カ条の要求（１５年）で広がっていた反日の動きが減少。
And the United States, which had been debating an immigration act that limited the number of Japanese in the country, was the first to come to Japan with major aid. Claudel noted that the U.S. performed charitable work while displaying virtue with unsurpassed magnificence.
排日移民法（２４年）を議論していた米国は、大規模支援を携えて一番に日本に駆けつけ「このうえない華々しさをもって、美徳を誇示しつつ慈善活動を行った」（クローデル大使）という。
The ambassador noted that sympathy from around the world and decreased diplomatic pressure helped to break down walls in the wary hearts of Japanese people. But he also stated that Japanese leaders were viewing the situation coldly, taking the opinion that friendship and national interests were different things.
こうした世界の同情と外交圧力の軽減に、大使は「警戒心の強い日本国民の心の壁を取り除くのに役立つ」としながらも「日本の指導層は友情と国益は別と、冷めた目で見ている」と興味深い分析をしている。
As it turned out, Japan accelerated its advance into the Asian continent.
実際、その後日本は大陸進出を加速させていった。
Now Japan's position and the international environment are different, but the country must be wary of the inward-looking sentiment that arises after an earthquake -- the kind of logic that says, "We can't think about the world when we're in such a terrible state," the fears of countries using the earthquake to employ "smiling diplomacy."
現在は日本のありようも、国際環境も異なるが、注意を要するのは震災で共通して生まれる内向きの心情だ。「日本が大変なのに世界どころではない」との論理。「震災を利用した微笑外交」との疑念。
Of course, when it comes to sympathy and other countries' approach to Japan, national interests hold great importance, but the question is, can Japanese diplomacy skillfully utilize this opportunity?
もちろん同情や対日アプローチには国益が不可分だ。ただ問われているのは日本外交がその機を巧みにとらえるか、なのだ。（専門編集委員）
(By Megumi Nishikawa, Expert Senior Writer)
毎日新聞 2011年5月20日 東京朝刊
Japan must look outward, not just inward, after quake
金言：内向きの心情を懸念＝西川恵
＜ｋｉｎ－ｇｏｎ＞
Since the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, diplomatic pressure on Japan has, on the whole, been easing.
東日本大震災以後、日本に対する外交的圧力が全般的に緩和している。
Sympathy is one reason for this; another is that countries are looking to adopt a new approach and break the deadlock that their relations with Japan have reached.
同情もあるが、これを機に新たな局面にステップアップしたい、袋小路にある対日関係を打開するきっかけにしたい、といった各国各様の狙いがある。
The United States, Australia, France and other countries whose leaders rushed to Japan's side right after the earthquake, have been making new pledges to assist Japan.
米、豪、フランスなど、震災から間を置かず首脳らが駆けつけた国々は、新たな協力を次々に申し出ている。
France, for example, will help decontaminate water from the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant from June.
例えばフランス企業は６月から福島第１原発の放射能汚染水の除染に取りかかる。
An official from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented, "I never knew France had such know-how about nuclear power plants."
「フランスが原発でこれほどノウハウをもっていたとは知らなかった」と外務省幹部は語る。
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's tour of disaster areas in Japan from May 21 is representative of the harmonious approach that these countries have been taking.
日本とギクシャクしてきた中国の温家宝首相が、韓国の李明博大統領とあす２１日、被災地を訪問するのも融和姿勢を象徴する。
Immediately after the quake, China sent an international rescue team to Japan for the first time, and Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the Japanese Embassy in China and expressed his condolences to Japan.
震災直後、中国は初めて国際救助隊を日本に派遣し、胡錦濤国家主席は日本大使館を訪問して哀悼の意を表明した。
The visit to the disaster areas is an extension of this goodwill.
被災地訪問はこの延長線にある。
Russia also dispatched a team of more that 160 rescuers to Japan after the quake.
ロシアも１６０人以上の救援隊を派遣。
Meanwhile, one major Russian newspaper made the rare step of carrying a column calling for the return of the four Russian-controlled islands known in Japan as the Northern Territories -- hinting at a slight change in public sentiment toward Japan.
ロシア大衆紙が「北方四島を返還しよう」という異例のコラムを掲載したのも、ロシアの対日世論の変化の一端をうかがわせた。
A similar state of affairs was seen after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.
The earthquake hit at a time when Japan was becoming isolated from the international community, but after it struck, diplomatic pressure on Japan temporarily eased.
日本が国際社会で孤立を深めていた関東大震災（１９２３年）の時も、日本への外交的圧力が一時、緩和した。
An official telegram sent by Paul Claudel, a famous writer who at the time served as French ambassador to Japan, pointed this out. (The telegram is listed in Claudel's book "Correspondance Diplomatique. Tokyo 1921-1927," whose Japanese translation is published by Soshisha Publishing Co.)
著名な作家で、当時、駐日大使だったフランスのポール・クローデルが、このことを本国に送った公電で指摘している（「孤独な帝国 日本の一九二〇年代」草思社）。
In 1921, Britain, which had decided to terminate the Anglo-Japanese alliance, planned to turn Singapore into a naval port to resist Japan's advances into Asia.
２１年に日英同盟の破棄を決めた英国は日本のアジア進出に対抗し、シンガポール軍港化を計画していた。
But after the quake, some analysts called for abandoning the plan.
しかし震災で計画の放棄を主張する識者が出始めた。
In China, meanwhile, the anti-Japanese sentiment that had arisen in response to Japan's 21 Demands to China in 1915 diminished.
中国では日本の２１カ条の要求（１５年）で広がっていた反日の動きが減少。
And the United States, which had been debating an immigration act that limited the number of Japanese in the country, was the first to come to Japan with major aid. Claudel noted that the U.S. performed charitable work while displaying virtue with unsurpassed magnificence.
排日移民法（２４年）を議論していた米国は、大規模支援を携えて一番に日本に駆けつけ「このうえない華々しさをもって、美徳を誇示しつつ慈善活動を行った」（クローデル大使）という。
The ambassador noted that sympathy from around the world and decreased diplomatic pressure helped to break down walls in the wary hearts of Japanese people. But he also stated that Japanese leaders were viewing the situation coldly, taking the opinion that friendship and national interests were different things.
こうした世界の同情と外交圧力の軽減に、大使は「警戒心の強い日本国民の心の壁を取り除くのに役立つ」としながらも「日本の指導層は友情と国益は別と、冷めた目で見ている」と興味深い分析をしている。
As it turned out, Japan accelerated its advance into the Asian continent.
実際、その後日本は大陸進出を加速させていった。
Now Japan's position and the international environment are different, but the country must be wary of the inward-looking sentiment that arises after an earthquake -- the kind of logic that says, "We can't think about the world when we're in such a terrible state," the fears of countries using the earthquake to employ "smiling diplomacy."
現在は日本のありようも、国際環境も異なるが、注意を要するのは震災で共通して生まれる内向きの心情だ。「日本が大変なのに世界どころではない」との論理。「震災を利用した微笑外交」との疑念。
Of course, when it comes to sympathy and other countries' approach to Japan, national interests hold great importance, but the question is, can Japanese diplomacy skillfully utilize this opportunity?
もちろん同情や対日アプローチには国益が不可分だ。ただ問われているのは日本外交がその機を巧みにとらえるか、なのだ。（専門編集委員）
(By Megumi Nishikawa, Expert Senior Writer)
毎日新聞 2011年5月20日 東京朝刊
2011/05/20
自然エネルギー 電力改革の試金石だ
広大な北アフリカのサハラ砂漠に大規模なソーラー発電所を開発し、同時に砂漠の緑化も目指す。
その電力で水を電気分解して水素ガスを製造する。
Ｃｏ２を発生する化石燃料の使用を減らして、水素ガスを使用燃料の主軸に据える。
エネルギー問題はこれで解決すると思います。
（スラチャイ記）
(Mainichi Japan) May 19, 2011
Gov't attempt to promote clean energy a test of electric power policy reform
社説：自然エネルギー 電力改革の試金石だ
The government's attempt to promote clean energy to replace nuclear power following the crisis at the tsunami-hit Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant is widely viewed as a litmus test of electric power policy reform.
A massive tsunami generated by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and radiation leaks from the nuclear power plant that the disaster caused have drastically changed circumstances surrounding Japan's energy policy.
東日本大震災と東京電力の福島第１原子力発電所の事故を経て、エネルギーをめぐる状況は一変した。
At a news conference on May 18, Prime Minister Naoto Kan for the first time mentioned his plan to fundamentally review the government's nuclear power policy and its basic energy plan.
菅直人首相も１８日の会見で、原子力行政とエネルギー基本計画の見直しについて改めて言及した。
There are various challenges for Japan's energy policy, ranging from the recycling of nuclear fuel by extracting plutonium from spent fuel, which requires final disposal of high-level nuclear waste, to the restructuring of the electric power industry including the separation of power companies into power generators and suppliers. 高レベル核廃棄物の最終処分を含む核燃料サイクルから、発電と送電の分離といった電力会社の経営形態に関する問題まで、エネルギーをめぐる課題は多岐にわたる。
Needless to say, no easy solution can be found to any of these issues.
もちろん、いずれも容易に解決できる問題ではない。
However, Japan should make better use of natural energy sources -- such as solar, wind, biological and geothermal power generation in a bid to gradually decrease its reliance on nuclear power -- an idea that has won wide support from experts as well as members of the public.
ただ、太陽光、風力、バイオ、地熱といった自然エネルギーをもっと活用し、将来的には原子力への依存度を下げていくべきで、この点については多くの人が支持している。
Nuclear power stations are major sources of electric power, and questions remain as to whether clean energy sources can fully replace nuclear power.
もちろん、原子力は重要な電源であり、それに代わる電力を自然エネルギーでまかなえるのかという問題はある。
Some experts have pointed out that there are limits to the use of natural energy sources in terms of both the amount and costs.
量とコストの両面から活用には限界があるという指摘もある。
Moreover, there are other stumbling blocks to the use of these eco-friendly energy sources.
しかし、障害となっている要因はこれだけではない。
The frequency and voltage of electricity generated by solar cells and wind power generators are unstable.
太陽光や風力は周波数や電圧が一定しない。
It has been widely viewed as difficult to fully introduce these power sources in order to stably operate electric power grid networks.
電力網を安定的に運用するには、導入量に限界があるとされてきた。
However, the full introduction of these clean energy sources has been hampered by the fact that power grid networks have been separately operated by power suppliers.
だが、日本の電力網は電力会社ごとに運営され、これが障害となってきた面も否定できない。
It has been pointed out for many years that more solar and wind power could be utilized if power grid networks are operated in a more integrated manner beyond borders between power suppliers.
その運用を電力会社の壁を越えてより広域にすることにより、太陽光や風力による電力をより多く活用できるようになるという指摘はかねてなされてきた。
Electric power companies that have enjoyed regional monopolies have played an important role in stably supplying electric power.
地域独占の電力会社は、安定供給という点では大きな役割を果たしてきた。
However, the demand for electric power is not growing much now and is expected to peak in the near future.
しかし、電力需要は大きく伸びず、いずれピークを迎える。
Under the circumstances, electric power grid networks should be operated more flexibly, even though the quality of electric power, such as its frequency and voltage, should not be sacrificed.
周波数や電圧といった電力の品質の安定をないがしろにしていいわけではないものの、電力網の運用のあり方は、もっと柔軟であっていい。
Questions as to who should foot the increased costs of electric power generation have remained unanswered, which has also blocked the full introduction of clean energy sources.
発電コストの上昇分を誰が負担するのかという問題も、阻害要因となってきた。
Consumers need to shoulder a certain extra burden. However, the allocation of funds for electric power generation, which has been concentrated in nuclear power under the pretext of the need for research and development, should be rectified and directed more at efforts to increase natural energy sources.
利用者の負担増も必要だろうが、研究開発などの名目で原子力に傾斜していた資金配分を改め、自然エネルギーの普及に充てることも考えてもらいたい。
The introduction of geothermal power generation has been hampered by restrictions on development in areas designated as national parks and fears that such power generation could adversely affect hot springs.
地熱発電については、国立公園内の開発規制や、温泉のお湯に影響しかねないことがネックとなっている。
However, as a volcanic country, Japan should fully use geothermal power to generate electricity.
しかし、世界有数の火山国であり、この資源を活用しない手はない。
To that end, restrictions on development in national parks should be reviewed and the issue of compensation for any impact that geothermal power plans may have on hot springs should be addressed.
規制や、温泉に支障が生じた際の補償措置などについての検討も必要だろう。
There are many other stumbling blocks to the full use of natural energy sources, and these problems also pose challenges to Japan's overall energy policy.
自然エネルギーの活用の障害となってきた要因はこれ以外にもある。そして、こうした問題は、自然エネルギーに限ったことではなく、他の日本のエネルギーをめぐる課題と共通したものが多い。
The government should promote the use of natural energy sources as the first step toward electric power policy reform.
自然エネルギーの活用を第一歩として、電力改革に取り組んでもらいたい。
毎日新聞 2011年5月19日 2時31分
その電力で水を電気分解して水素ガスを製造する。
Ｃｏ２を発生する化石燃料の使用を減らして、水素ガスを使用燃料の主軸に据える。
エネルギー問題はこれで解決すると思います。
（スラチャイ記）
(Mainichi Japan) May 19, 2011
Gov't attempt to promote clean energy a test of electric power policy reform
社説：自然エネルギー 電力改革の試金石だ
The government's attempt to promote clean energy to replace nuclear power following the crisis at the tsunami-hit Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant is widely viewed as a litmus test of electric power policy reform.
A massive tsunami generated by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and radiation leaks from the nuclear power plant that the disaster caused have drastically changed circumstances surrounding Japan's energy policy.
東日本大震災と東京電力の福島第１原子力発電所の事故を経て、エネルギーをめぐる状況は一変した。
At a news conference on May 18, Prime Minister Naoto Kan for the first time mentioned his plan to fundamentally review the government's nuclear power policy and its basic energy plan.
菅直人首相も１８日の会見で、原子力行政とエネルギー基本計画の見直しについて改めて言及した。
There are various challenges for Japan's energy policy, ranging from the recycling of nuclear fuel by extracting plutonium from spent fuel, which requires final disposal of high-level nuclear waste, to the restructuring of the electric power industry including the separation of power companies into power generators and suppliers. 高レベル核廃棄物の最終処分を含む核燃料サイクルから、発電と送電の分離といった電力会社の経営形態に関する問題まで、エネルギーをめぐる課題は多岐にわたる。
Needless to say, no easy solution can be found to any of these issues.
もちろん、いずれも容易に解決できる問題ではない。
However, Japan should make better use of natural energy sources -- such as solar, wind, biological and geothermal power generation in a bid to gradually decrease its reliance on nuclear power -- an idea that has won wide support from experts as well as members of the public.
ただ、太陽光、風力、バイオ、地熱といった自然エネルギーをもっと活用し、将来的には原子力への依存度を下げていくべきで、この点については多くの人が支持している。
Nuclear power stations are major sources of electric power, and questions remain as to whether clean energy sources can fully replace nuclear power.
もちろん、原子力は重要な電源であり、それに代わる電力を自然エネルギーでまかなえるのかという問題はある。
Some experts have pointed out that there are limits to the use of natural energy sources in terms of both the amount and costs.
量とコストの両面から活用には限界があるという指摘もある。
Moreover, there are other stumbling blocks to the use of these eco-friendly energy sources.
しかし、障害となっている要因はこれだけではない。
The frequency and voltage of electricity generated by solar cells and wind power generators are unstable.
太陽光や風力は周波数や電圧が一定しない。
It has been widely viewed as difficult to fully introduce these power sources in order to stably operate electric power grid networks.
電力網を安定的に運用するには、導入量に限界があるとされてきた。
However, the full introduction of these clean energy sources has been hampered by the fact that power grid networks have been separately operated by power suppliers.
だが、日本の電力網は電力会社ごとに運営され、これが障害となってきた面も否定できない。
It has been pointed out for many years that more solar and wind power could be utilized if power grid networks are operated in a more integrated manner beyond borders between power suppliers.
その運用を電力会社の壁を越えてより広域にすることにより、太陽光や風力による電力をより多く活用できるようになるという指摘はかねてなされてきた。
Electric power companies that have enjoyed regional monopolies have played an important role in stably supplying electric power.
地域独占の電力会社は、安定供給という点では大きな役割を果たしてきた。
However, the demand for electric power is not growing much now and is expected to peak in the near future.
しかし、電力需要は大きく伸びず、いずれピークを迎える。
Under the circumstances, electric power grid networks should be operated more flexibly, even though the quality of electric power, such as its frequency and voltage, should not be sacrificed.
周波数や電圧といった電力の品質の安定をないがしろにしていいわけではないものの、電力網の運用のあり方は、もっと柔軟であっていい。
Questions as to who should foot the increased costs of electric power generation have remained unanswered, which has also blocked the full introduction of clean energy sources.
発電コストの上昇分を誰が負担するのかという問題も、阻害要因となってきた。
Consumers need to shoulder a certain extra burden. However, the allocation of funds for electric power generation, which has been concentrated in nuclear power under the pretext of the need for research and development, should be rectified and directed more at efforts to increase natural energy sources.
利用者の負担増も必要だろうが、研究開発などの名目で原子力に傾斜していた資金配分を改め、自然エネルギーの普及に充てることも考えてもらいたい。
The introduction of geothermal power generation has been hampered by restrictions on development in areas designated as national parks and fears that such power generation could adversely affect hot springs.
地熱発電については、国立公園内の開発規制や、温泉のお湯に影響しかねないことがネックとなっている。
However, as a volcanic country, Japan should fully use geothermal power to generate electricity.
しかし、世界有数の火山国であり、この資源を活用しない手はない。
To that end, restrictions on development in national parks should be reviewed and the issue of compensation for any impact that geothermal power plans may have on hot springs should be addressed.
規制や、温泉に支障が生じた際の補償措置などについての検討も必要だろう。
There are many other stumbling blocks to the full use of natural energy sources, and these problems also pose challenges to Japan's overall energy policy.
自然エネルギーの活用の障害となってきた要因はこれ以外にもある。そして、こうした問題は、自然エネルギーに限ったことではなく、他の日本のエネルギーをめぐる課題と共通したものが多い。
The government should promote the use of natural energy sources as the first step toward electric power policy reform.
自然エネルギーの活用を第一歩として、電力改革に取り組んでもらいたい。
毎日新聞 2011年5月19日 2時31分
2011/05/19
主婦年金問題 与野党協力して決着を急げ
簡単です。
保険料を納めなくても年金が支給される「第３号被保険者」制度が元凶。
専業主婦は国民年金でカバーされるべき。
年金を受給するというのならその前に保険料を支払うべきです。
（スラチャイ記）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 19, 2011)
Make efforts to untangle housewives' pensions
主婦年金問題 与野党協力して決着を急げ（5月18日付・読売社説）
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry's Social Security Council decided Tuesday on measures to deal with the inadvertent failure by full-time housewives to switch to the national pension program.
専業主婦の年金資格の切り替え忘れ問題で、社会保障審議会が１７日、対応策を決定した。
The government plans to include the measures in a bill to revise the National Pension Law and submit it to the current Diet session.
政府は国民年金法改正案としてまとめ、今国会に提出する方針だ。
The ruling and opposition parties should work together to provide an early solution to the issue and prevent public distrust in the pension system from deepening.
年金制度への不信感をこれ以上深めぬように、与野党で協力し、決着を急いでもらいたい。
Nonworking spouses of company employees and public servants are classified as Category III insured, and are not required to pay pension premiums.
会社員や公務員の妻は「第３号被保険者」と呼ばれる。自らは保険料を払う必要がない。
They are automatically covered by payments made by all subscribers to welfare and mutual pension plans.
厚生年金や共済年金の加入者全体で、保険料に相当する額を負担する仕組みになっている。
However, if a housewife's annual income is 1.3 million yen or more, or her husband becomes self-employed, the woman must join the national pension plan and pay premiums.
ただし、夫が脱サラしたり、妻のパート収入が年１３０万円以上になったりした場合は、国民年金に切り替えて、主婦も自分の保険料を払わなくてはならない。
An eye-popping 420,000 housewives of working age have failed to switch to the national pension plan and have not paid premiums for an extensive period.
ところが、切り替えをせずに保険料が長期未納になっている現役世代の主婦が、４２万人もいることが判明した。
===
Lack of publicity
One factor behind this is the failure of the former Social Insurance Agency to publicize the need to switch to the national pension plan. As a result, there is a strong possibility these housewives will receive a pittance or nothing at all.
旧社会保険庁による周知の努力不足も一因だ。この人たちは低年金や無年金になる恐れが強い。
The agency considered the period in which no pension premiums were paid as covered by the Category III pension plan. About 53,000 elderly people received excessive pension payments as a result.
一方で、未納期間を社保庁が３号扱いしたため、受給年齢を迎えた後、本来の受給額以上の年金を受け取っている高齢者も５万３０００人いる。
As a so-called relief measure for the 420,000 housewives, the welfare ministry in December decided the unpaid premium period should be covered by the Category III plan.
厚生労働省は昨年末、４２万人について、未納期間を３号と見なすことで“救済”を図った。
However, the measure came under a barrage of criticism because it was considered unfair for them to receive the same pension as those who had paid premiums after switching to the national pension plan. Naturally, the measure was withdrawn.
しかし、これでは、きちんと年金資格を切り替えて保険料を納め続けた人と同じ年金を受け取ることになるため、不公平との批判が噴出した。白紙撤回されたのは当然だろう。
The ministry then came up with a new plan in which the periods the 420,000 housewives did not pay premiums would qualify for pensions, but payments would be reduced.
新たに打ち出した対応策は、次のようなものだ。
４２万人の未納期間を保険加入期間に算入するものの、その間の保険料は払っていないため、年金額は減らす。
If the women wanted to receive full pensions, they would be permitted to pay premiums covering the previous 10 years retroactively.
減額されたくない場合は、１０年前まで遡って保険料の追納を認める。
Elderly pensioners who had been paid an amount exceeding what was due would be asked to return the difference paid over the previous five years.
本来より多い年金を受け取った高齢者には、過去５年分について差額の返還を求める。
However, those whose income was below a certain level would be exempted from this requirement.
ただし一定の所得以下の人は除外する。
===
Balance relief, fairness
We assume the ministry took extra care in working out these measures to ensure a balance between relief and fairness.
これを見ると、救済と公平性のバランスにかなり苦心したことがうかがえる。
However, asking people to return a portion of their pensions seems rather harsh.
ただ、支給済みの年金の一部を機械的に返還させるのは酷ではないか。
The ministry says it will exempt nearly 90 percent of elderly pension recipients affected from having to make reimbursements.
厚労省は、９割近くが返還請求の対象から除外されるようにするという。
The ministry must give due consideration to the livelihood of senior citizens when it carries out the measures.
高齢者の生活に十分配慮した対応が求められる。
The welfare ministry plans to expedite a review of the current pension system as an integral part of social security and tax system reforms.
厚労省は、社会保障と税の一体改革の中で、現行の年金制度の手直しを急ぐ方針だ。
It should also study measures to improve the complex pension system for full-time housewives.
分かりにくい専業主婦の年金の在り方についても、改善を検討すべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 18, 2011)
（2011年5月18日01時09分 読売新聞）
保険料を納めなくても年金が支給される「第３号被保険者」制度が元凶。
専業主婦は国民年金でカバーされるべき。
年金を受給するというのならその前に保険料を支払うべきです。
（スラチャイ記）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 19, 2011)
Make efforts to untangle housewives' pensions
主婦年金問題 与野党協力して決着を急げ（5月18日付・読売社説）
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry's Social Security Council decided Tuesday on measures to deal with the inadvertent failure by full-time housewives to switch to the national pension program.
専業主婦の年金資格の切り替え忘れ問題で、社会保障審議会が１７日、対応策を決定した。
The government plans to include the measures in a bill to revise the National Pension Law and submit it to the current Diet session.
政府は国民年金法改正案としてまとめ、今国会に提出する方針だ。
The ruling and opposition parties should work together to provide an early solution to the issue and prevent public distrust in the pension system from deepening.
年金制度への不信感をこれ以上深めぬように、与野党で協力し、決着を急いでもらいたい。
Nonworking spouses of company employees and public servants are classified as Category III insured, and are not required to pay pension premiums.
会社員や公務員の妻は「第３号被保険者」と呼ばれる。自らは保険料を払う必要がない。
They are automatically covered by payments made by all subscribers to welfare and mutual pension plans.
厚生年金や共済年金の加入者全体で、保険料に相当する額を負担する仕組みになっている。
However, if a housewife's annual income is 1.3 million yen or more, or her husband becomes self-employed, the woman must join the national pension plan and pay premiums.
ただし、夫が脱サラしたり、妻のパート収入が年１３０万円以上になったりした場合は、国民年金に切り替えて、主婦も自分の保険料を払わなくてはならない。
An eye-popping 420,000 housewives of working age have failed to switch to the national pension plan and have not paid premiums for an extensive period.
ところが、切り替えをせずに保険料が長期未納になっている現役世代の主婦が、４２万人もいることが判明した。
===
Lack of publicity
One factor behind this is the failure of the former Social Insurance Agency to publicize the need to switch to the national pension plan. As a result, there is a strong possibility these housewives will receive a pittance or nothing at all.
旧社会保険庁による周知の努力不足も一因だ。この人たちは低年金や無年金になる恐れが強い。
The agency considered the period in which no pension premiums were paid as covered by the Category III pension plan. About 53,000 elderly people received excessive pension payments as a result.
一方で、未納期間を社保庁が３号扱いしたため、受給年齢を迎えた後、本来の受給額以上の年金を受け取っている高齢者も５万３０００人いる。
As a so-called relief measure for the 420,000 housewives, the welfare ministry in December decided the unpaid premium period should be covered by the Category III plan.
厚生労働省は昨年末、４２万人について、未納期間を３号と見なすことで“救済”を図った。
However, the measure came under a barrage of criticism because it was considered unfair for them to receive the same pension as those who had paid premiums after switching to the national pension plan. Naturally, the measure was withdrawn.
しかし、これでは、きちんと年金資格を切り替えて保険料を納め続けた人と同じ年金を受け取ることになるため、不公平との批判が噴出した。白紙撤回されたのは当然だろう。
The ministry then came up with a new plan in which the periods the 420,000 housewives did not pay premiums would qualify for pensions, but payments would be reduced.
新たに打ち出した対応策は、次のようなものだ。
４２万人の未納期間を保険加入期間に算入するものの、その間の保険料は払っていないため、年金額は減らす。
If the women wanted to receive full pensions, they would be permitted to pay premiums covering the previous 10 years retroactively.
減額されたくない場合は、１０年前まで遡って保険料の追納を認める。
Elderly pensioners who had been paid an amount exceeding what was due would be asked to return the difference paid over the previous five years.
本来より多い年金を受け取った高齢者には、過去５年分について差額の返還を求める。
However, those whose income was below a certain level would be exempted from this requirement.
ただし一定の所得以下の人は除外する。
===
Balance relief, fairness
We assume the ministry took extra care in working out these measures to ensure a balance between relief and fairness.
これを見ると、救済と公平性のバランスにかなり苦心したことがうかがえる。
However, asking people to return a portion of their pensions seems rather harsh.
ただ、支給済みの年金の一部を機械的に返還させるのは酷ではないか。
The ministry says it will exempt nearly 90 percent of elderly pension recipients affected from having to make reimbursements.
厚労省は、９割近くが返還請求の対象から除外されるようにするという。
The ministry must give due consideration to the livelihood of senior citizens when it carries out the measures.
高齢者の生活に十分配慮した対応が求められる。
The welfare ministry plans to expedite a review of the current pension system as an integral part of social security and tax system reforms.
厚労省は、社会保障と税の一体改革の中で、現行の年金制度の手直しを急ぐ方針だ。
It should also study measures to improve the complex pension system for full-time housewives.
分かりにくい専業主婦の年金の在り方についても、改善を検討すべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 18, 2011)
（2011年5月18日01時09分 読売新聞）
2011/05/18
復興基本法案―「現場感覚」で歩み寄れ
被災者の思いを肌で感じれば、与野党の足の引っ張り合いどころではなくなるだろう。
被災者の目線に立った復興基本法案を望む。
福島第一、完全なメルトダウン。
復旧には１０年かかる。（スリーマイル島原発事故はメルトダウンで炉心を取り出すまで１０年かかった）
なぜ工程表を動かさないのか、理解不能。
（スラチャイ記）
--The Asahi Shimbun, May 15
EDITORIAL: Partisan bickering is wasting time in helping disaster victims
復興基本法案―「現場感覚」で歩み寄れ
The Kan Cabinet submitted to the Diet the basic reconstruction bill that stipulates the guiding philosophy and the framework of undertaking the country's reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
菅内閣が、東日本大震災からの復興の理念や実行体制を定める基本法案を国会に提出した。
It has been two months since the huge quake and tsunami. Compared with the response after the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, the submission of the basic bill is one month late. As a result, the creation of a recovery framework will also lag. The political response is sluggish and frustrating.
震災から２カ月余り。阪神大震災の時の基本法に比べ、１カ月遅い提出だ。その結果、復興に臨む体制作りも遅れる。政治のもたつきが歯がゆい。
The bill was delayed because although the government's basic bill seeks to create a reconstruction headquarters that includes all Cabinet members, Shizuka Kamei, chief of the People's New Party, had proposed a "reconstruction implementation headquarters" that includes cross-party heavyweights, and suggested the idea to opposition parties.
直接の理由は、全閣僚が参加する「復興対策本部」を設ける基本法案に対し、与野党幹部が加わる「復興実施本部」案を亀井静香国民新党代表が提唱し、野党側に打診したことだ。
In the end, the opposition parties refused to come on board, so the government went back to the original plan to set up a recovery headquarters under the Cabinet.
結局野党側は応じず、対策本部を設ける案に戻った。
Under Kamei's plan, decisions would have been made by party leaders for the Cabinet to follow. This would have obfuscated the responsibilities of the prime minister and the Cabinet ministers. It must be said that this was an unrealistic idea to begin with. Prime Minister Naoto Kan should not have listened to Kamei in the first place.
与野党幹部で方針を決め、内閣が従う亀井構想では、首相や閣僚の責任が不明確になる。元々無理があったと言わざるを得ない。菅直人首相は、亀井氏の誘いに乗るべきではなかった。
There was so much fuss because, despite experiencing the quake, the opposition and ruling parties cannot find it in themselves to cooperate fully. Both the opposition and the government are responsible for wasting precious time.
こんな話が出てくるのは、震災を経てなお、与野党が十分に力をあわせられないからだ。貴重な時間を空費した責任は、与野党双方にある。
Deliberations on the bill must be the restart of the undertaking of Japan's recovery. Surely the parties do not reject the need for such a law or the need for an organization that oversees the reconstruction efforts.
基本法案の審議を、出直しの一歩としなければならない。各党とも、基本法の必要性や、復興を担う組織を設けることには異論はなかろう。
The bill should be passed as soon as possible with all the parties adding the necessary revisions.
必要があれば与野党で修正を加え、早く成立させるべきだ。
One of the points of contention was over the nature of the new organization. Would the headquarters be based on a kind of collegial system with Cabinet members? Or would it be a sort of reconstruction agency that stands on par with the other ministries and agencies?
Will the organization propose basic policies and coordinate among the various ministries? Or is it going to implement individual projects as well?
対立点のひとつは、組織のあり方だ。閣僚の合議体である本部か、各省庁と並ぶ復興庁・復興院か。そこは方針の立案や各省との調整にあたるのか、事業の実施まで担うのか。
However, are these differences that serious?
だが、それは深刻な違いだろうか。
People in Kasumigaseki, the Tokyo area where the main government offices are located, often say that attempts to create a trans-ministerial body to remove bureaucratic sectionalism only result in creating other bureaucratic factions within the new organization.
省庁の縦割りを排そうと各省をまたぐ組織を設けたけれど、組織の中に縦割りが生まれた――。霞が関ではしばしばそんな話を耳にする。
No matter what kind of structure you create, that in itself will not remove all the bureaucratic segmentation.
どんな組織にしても、それだけで縦割りがなくなるわけではない。
Surely, the key is whether each and every person involved in the reconstruction efforts can empathize with the victims and think, "This is no time to be thinking of ministerial turf and interests."
かぎは、復興に携わる一人ひとりが被災者の立場に立ち、「縄張りや省益にこだわっている場合ではない」と思えるかどうかにある。
To be able to do that, it is vital for the government to have "sensibilities in tune with people in the disaster area."
そのために大切なのは「現場感覚」ではないか。
The basic bill stipulates that there will be local headquarters under the central headquarters.
基本法案は、対策本部のもとに現地対策本部を置くと定めている。
It will be necessary for the central government to drastically empower the local headquarters with the authority to make quick decisions after it collaborates with local governments.
これを充実させ大胆に権限を委ねる。自治体と連携し、現地で即決できるようにする。
The vice minister who will head the local headquarters, as well as parliamentary secretaries and other staff members, should not be rotated for some time and stay put in the affected areas.
本部長となる副大臣、政務官や職員はしばらく交代させず、被災地で腰を据える。後手に回りがちな状況を改めるには、そんな姿勢が必要だろう。
A new special committee on recovery and nuclear power plant issues will be set up in the Lower House.
衆院に復興や原発問題を審議する特別委員会が設置される。
Here too, the committee members will be tested on whether they have "sensibilities in tune with people suffering in the disaster area."
ここでも現場感覚が問われる。
It might be a good idea for the committee members to spend some time in the affected areas, and even hold committee meetings there.
委員は被災地に泊まり込み、会議も現地で開くくらいのことをしていい。
Once they experience firsthand what the victims are really feeling and thinking, then surely there will be no time for any more partisan bickering.
被災者の思いを肌で感じれば、足の引っ張り合いどころではなくなるだろう。
被災者の目線に立った復興基本法案を望む。
福島第一、完全なメルトダウン。
復旧には１０年かかる。（スリーマイル島原発事故はメルトダウンで炉心を取り出すまで１０年かかった）
なぜ工程表を動かさないのか、理解不能。
（スラチャイ記）
--The Asahi Shimbun, May 15
EDITORIAL: Partisan bickering is wasting time in helping disaster victims
復興基本法案―「現場感覚」で歩み寄れ
The Kan Cabinet submitted to the Diet the basic reconstruction bill that stipulates the guiding philosophy and the framework of undertaking the country's reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
菅内閣が、東日本大震災からの復興の理念や実行体制を定める基本法案を国会に提出した。
It has been two months since the huge quake and tsunami. Compared with the response after the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, the submission of the basic bill is one month late. As a result, the creation of a recovery framework will also lag. The political response is sluggish and frustrating.
震災から２カ月余り。阪神大震災の時の基本法に比べ、１カ月遅い提出だ。その結果、復興に臨む体制作りも遅れる。政治のもたつきが歯がゆい。
The bill was delayed because although the government's basic bill seeks to create a reconstruction headquarters that includes all Cabinet members, Shizuka Kamei, chief of the People's New Party, had proposed a "reconstruction implementation headquarters" that includes cross-party heavyweights, and suggested the idea to opposition parties.
直接の理由は、全閣僚が参加する「復興対策本部」を設ける基本法案に対し、与野党幹部が加わる「復興実施本部」案を亀井静香国民新党代表が提唱し、野党側に打診したことだ。
In the end, the opposition parties refused to come on board, so the government went back to the original plan to set up a recovery headquarters under the Cabinet.
結局野党側は応じず、対策本部を設ける案に戻った。
Under Kamei's plan, decisions would have been made by party leaders for the Cabinet to follow. This would have obfuscated the responsibilities of the prime minister and the Cabinet ministers. It must be said that this was an unrealistic idea to begin with. Prime Minister Naoto Kan should not have listened to Kamei in the first place.
与野党幹部で方針を決め、内閣が従う亀井構想では、首相や閣僚の責任が不明確になる。元々無理があったと言わざるを得ない。菅直人首相は、亀井氏の誘いに乗るべきではなかった。
There was so much fuss because, despite experiencing the quake, the opposition and ruling parties cannot find it in themselves to cooperate fully. Both the opposition and the government are responsible for wasting precious time.
こんな話が出てくるのは、震災を経てなお、与野党が十分に力をあわせられないからだ。貴重な時間を空費した責任は、与野党双方にある。
Deliberations on the bill must be the restart of the undertaking of Japan's recovery. Surely the parties do not reject the need for such a law or the need for an organization that oversees the reconstruction efforts.
基本法案の審議を、出直しの一歩としなければならない。各党とも、基本法の必要性や、復興を担う組織を設けることには異論はなかろう。
The bill should be passed as soon as possible with all the parties adding the necessary revisions.
必要があれば与野党で修正を加え、早く成立させるべきだ。
One of the points of contention was over the nature of the new organization. Would the headquarters be based on a kind of collegial system with Cabinet members? Or would it be a sort of reconstruction agency that stands on par with the other ministries and agencies?
Will the organization propose basic policies and coordinate among the various ministries? Or is it going to implement individual projects as well?
対立点のひとつは、組織のあり方だ。閣僚の合議体である本部か、各省庁と並ぶ復興庁・復興院か。そこは方針の立案や各省との調整にあたるのか、事業の実施まで担うのか。
However, are these differences that serious?
だが、それは深刻な違いだろうか。
People in Kasumigaseki, the Tokyo area where the main government offices are located, often say that attempts to create a trans-ministerial body to remove bureaucratic sectionalism only result in creating other bureaucratic factions within the new organization.
省庁の縦割りを排そうと各省をまたぐ組織を設けたけれど、組織の中に縦割りが生まれた――。霞が関ではしばしばそんな話を耳にする。
No matter what kind of structure you create, that in itself will not remove all the bureaucratic segmentation.
どんな組織にしても、それだけで縦割りがなくなるわけではない。
Surely, the key is whether each and every person involved in the reconstruction efforts can empathize with the victims and think, "This is no time to be thinking of ministerial turf and interests."
かぎは、復興に携わる一人ひとりが被災者の立場に立ち、「縄張りや省益にこだわっている場合ではない」と思えるかどうかにある。
To be able to do that, it is vital for the government to have "sensibilities in tune with people in the disaster area."
そのために大切なのは「現場感覚」ではないか。
The basic bill stipulates that there will be local headquarters under the central headquarters.
基本法案は、対策本部のもとに現地対策本部を置くと定めている。
It will be necessary for the central government to drastically empower the local headquarters with the authority to make quick decisions after it collaborates with local governments.
これを充実させ大胆に権限を委ねる。自治体と連携し、現地で即決できるようにする。
The vice minister who will head the local headquarters, as well as parliamentary secretaries and other staff members, should not be rotated for some time and stay put in the affected areas.
本部長となる副大臣、政務官や職員はしばらく交代させず、被災地で腰を据える。後手に回りがちな状況を改めるには、そんな姿勢が必要だろう。
A new special committee on recovery and nuclear power plant issues will be set up in the Lower House.
衆院に復興や原発問題を審議する特別委員会が設置される。
Here too, the committee members will be tested on whether they have "sensibilities in tune with people suffering in the disaster area."
ここでも現場感覚が問われる。
It might be a good idea for the committee members to spend some time in the affected areas, and even hold committee meetings there.
委員は被災地に泊まり込み、会議も現地で開くくらいのことをしていい。
Once they experience firsthand what the victims are really feeling and thinking, then surely there will be no time for any more partisan bickering.
被災者の思いを肌で感じれば、足の引っ張り合いどころではなくなるだろう。
2011/05/17
社説：視点・震災後 少数派にこそ耳傾けよ
(Mainichi Japan) May 16, 2011
Nuclear power plant disaster highlights importance of diverse safety measures
社説：視点・震災後 少数派にこそ耳傾けよ
After the crisis emerged at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant, I heard experts lamenting that Japan had multiple safety measures in place but lacked an important factor: diversity.
「多重性」はあったのに、「多様性」がなかった。原発事故発生後、複数の専門家から聞いた反省の弁である。
Take, for example, the power generators at the plant. Altogether there were 13 diesel-powered generators designed to start up in the event of a power cut. Even if some failed, there would be spares.
たとえば、福島第１原発には停電に備え非常用ディーゼル発電機が１３台あった。一部が壊れても予備があるという「多重性」の考え方だ。
But almost all of these generators were set up in the same way, below ground level, and when a giant tsunami struck the plant on March 11, 12 of them were rendered useless.
ところが、そのほとんどが地下に置かれた同じ仕組みの発電機で、津波で１２台が壊れた。
If the plant had adopted a diverse safety plan and placed some of the generators on higher ground, the situation may have been different.
違う仕組みの発電機を高台に置くなど、「多様性」があれば結果は違っただろうというのだ。
Of course it may not have been the perfect solution, but it seems like the obvious thing to do.
それで万全とは限らないが、当たり前の対策に思える。
Researchers have in the past warned of the possibility of multiple facilities being crippled by a single cause -- such dangers were pointed out in a lawsuit aiming to halt operations at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant.
実際、一つの要因で設備が同時に壊れる「共通要因故障」の危険性を訴えていた研究者はいる。
浜岡原発の運転差し止め訴訟でも指摘されていた。
But why didn't officials count this as a real risk at Fukushima?
それなのに、なぜ、「現実のリスク」として考慮しなかったのか。
One possible underlying cause is that the group promoting nuclear power plants in Japan lacks diversity itself, and is exclusive.
遠因として考えられるのは、原発を推進する集団もまた、多様性に欠け、排他的だったということだ。
In Japan, nuclear power plants have been promoted by a group comprising the government, electric power companies, manufacturers and universities.
日本では、政府と電力会社、メーカー、大学などが原発推進の一大グループを形成している。
It is a body propped up by the official stance that Japan's nuclear power plants will not succumb to a major disaster.
「原発に大事故は起きない」という建前に支えられてきた共同体だ。
In the past, when the minority warned of the dangers, this body branded them "anti-nuclear" and dismissed their opinions as "extreme arguments."
危険を訴える少数派には「反原発」のレッテルを貼り、「極論」と退けてきた。
But the safety of nuclear power plants is a scientific issue dealing with risks, not a matter of ideology. 原発の安全性はリスクを扱う科学の問題であり、イデオロギーの問題ではない。
Scientifically, "absolute safety" is not possible.
科学に「絶対安全」はありえない。
However, with the forming of groups of nuclear "proponents" and "opponents," the voices of those who do not belong to either side have faded, and scientific debate has been shelved.
にもかかわらず、「推進派」対「反原発」の構図が作られたことで、そこに属さない人々の沈黙も招き、科学論争を遠ざけてしまった。そ
One could argue that this is the reason rational safety measures have been ignored.
の結果、合理的な安全対策にも目をつぶってしまったのではないか。
Japan needs to drastically review its nuclear power policies and incorporate diverse opinions when judging the level of danger of its nuclear power plants.
今後は、原発政策の根本的な見直しや、既存の原発の危険度の判定に、多様な意見をくみ上げる仕組みが必要だ。
When doing so, it should review the Japanese-style decision-making process which tends to rule out minority opinions and is easily swayed by the mainstream.
そのためには、主流派に流されやすく、少数意見を排除しがちな日本的意思決定の在り方を見直した方がいい。
When advisory panels are formed in the United States, the selection of members and methods of operation are said to be strictly regulated, and there seems to be a custom of including the views of minorities in reports.
たとえば、米国では、審議会方式をとる場合も、メンバーの選び方や運営方法などを厳しく規制しているという。報告書に少数意見が添付される習慣もあるようだ。
In Britain, there is also a system under which the government creates policies then solicits the opinions of all the parties involved and carefully considers them before a final decision is made.
英国には、あらかじめ政府が作成した政策案に対し、あらゆる関係者から意見を募って公開し、それを吟味して決定する制度がある。
Japan needs to take such approaches into consideration and change its mechanism of securing safety and forming policy.
そうした手法を参考にしつつ、安全確保や政策決定の仕組みを変えていく必要がある。
One approach would be to have decisions verified internationally.
国内だけで決めず、国際的な検証にかけるのもひとつの方法だ。
To avoid another accident like the one at Fukushima, we must pay attention to the threat of a single factor causing multiple failures within an organization.
第二の福島原発を出さないために、組織の「共通要因故障」にも注意を払いたい。
(By Yuri Aono, Editorial Writer)
毎日新聞 2011年5月16日 2時30分
Nuclear power plant disaster highlights importance of diverse safety measures
社説：視点・震災後 少数派にこそ耳傾けよ
After the crisis emerged at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant, I heard experts lamenting that Japan had multiple safety measures in place but lacked an important factor: diversity.
「多重性」はあったのに、「多様性」がなかった。原発事故発生後、複数の専門家から聞いた反省の弁である。
Take, for example, the power generators at the plant. Altogether there were 13 diesel-powered generators designed to start up in the event of a power cut. Even if some failed, there would be spares.
たとえば、福島第１原発には停電に備え非常用ディーゼル発電機が１３台あった。一部が壊れても予備があるという「多重性」の考え方だ。
But almost all of these generators were set up in the same way, below ground level, and when a giant tsunami struck the plant on March 11, 12 of them were rendered useless.
ところが、そのほとんどが地下に置かれた同じ仕組みの発電機で、津波で１２台が壊れた。
If the plant had adopted a diverse safety plan and placed some of the generators on higher ground, the situation may have been different.
違う仕組みの発電機を高台に置くなど、「多様性」があれば結果は違っただろうというのだ。
Of course it may not have been the perfect solution, but it seems like the obvious thing to do.
それで万全とは限らないが、当たり前の対策に思える。
Researchers have in the past warned of the possibility of multiple facilities being crippled by a single cause -- such dangers were pointed out in a lawsuit aiming to halt operations at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant.
実際、一つの要因で設備が同時に壊れる「共通要因故障」の危険性を訴えていた研究者はいる。
浜岡原発の運転差し止め訴訟でも指摘されていた。
But why didn't officials count this as a real risk at Fukushima?
それなのに、なぜ、「現実のリスク」として考慮しなかったのか。
One possible underlying cause is that the group promoting nuclear power plants in Japan lacks diversity itself, and is exclusive.
遠因として考えられるのは、原発を推進する集団もまた、多様性に欠け、排他的だったということだ。
In Japan, nuclear power plants have been promoted by a group comprising the government, electric power companies, manufacturers and universities.
日本では、政府と電力会社、メーカー、大学などが原発推進の一大グループを形成している。
It is a body propped up by the official stance that Japan's nuclear power plants will not succumb to a major disaster.
「原発に大事故は起きない」という建前に支えられてきた共同体だ。
In the past, when the minority warned of the dangers, this body branded them "anti-nuclear" and dismissed their opinions as "extreme arguments."
危険を訴える少数派には「反原発」のレッテルを貼り、「極論」と退けてきた。
But the safety of nuclear power plants is a scientific issue dealing with risks, not a matter of ideology. 原発の安全性はリスクを扱う科学の問題であり、イデオロギーの問題ではない。
Scientifically, "absolute safety" is not possible.
科学に「絶対安全」はありえない。
However, with the forming of groups of nuclear "proponents" and "opponents," the voices of those who do not belong to either side have faded, and scientific debate has been shelved.
にもかかわらず、「推進派」対「反原発」の構図が作られたことで、そこに属さない人々の沈黙も招き、科学論争を遠ざけてしまった。そ
One could argue that this is the reason rational safety measures have been ignored.
の結果、合理的な安全対策にも目をつぶってしまったのではないか。
Japan needs to drastically review its nuclear power policies and incorporate diverse opinions when judging the level of danger of its nuclear power plants.
今後は、原発政策の根本的な見直しや、既存の原発の危険度の判定に、多様な意見をくみ上げる仕組みが必要だ。
When doing so, it should review the Japanese-style decision-making process which tends to rule out minority opinions and is easily swayed by the mainstream.
そのためには、主流派に流されやすく、少数意見を排除しがちな日本的意思決定の在り方を見直した方がいい。
When advisory panels are formed in the United States, the selection of members and methods of operation are said to be strictly regulated, and there seems to be a custom of including the views of minorities in reports.
たとえば、米国では、審議会方式をとる場合も、メンバーの選び方や運営方法などを厳しく規制しているという。報告書に少数意見が添付される習慣もあるようだ。
In Britain, there is also a system under which the government creates policies then solicits the opinions of all the parties involved and carefully considers them before a final decision is made.
英国には、あらかじめ政府が作成した政策案に対し、あらゆる関係者から意見を募って公開し、それを吟味して決定する制度がある。
Japan needs to take such approaches into consideration and change its mechanism of securing safety and forming policy.
そうした手法を参考にしつつ、安全確保や政策決定の仕組みを変えていく必要がある。
One approach would be to have decisions verified internationally.
国内だけで決めず、国際的な検証にかけるのもひとつの方法だ。
To avoid another accident like the one at Fukushima, we must pay attention to the threat of a single factor causing multiple failures within an organization.
第二の福島原発を出さないために、組織の「共通要因故障」にも注意を払いたい。
(By Yuri Aono, Editorial Writer)
毎日新聞 2011年5月16日 2時30分
2011/05/16
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：違ってあたり前 ／東京
(Mainichi Japan) May 15, 2011
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: It's natural to react differently to disaster
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：違ってあたり前 ／東京
A growing number of patients have been coming to my consultation room after the Great East Japan Earthquake saying, "Family bonds are turning sour."
震災以来、診察室で「家族仲が悪くなった」と訴える人が増えている。
"Isn't it the other way around? Aren't family ties getting closer?" other people wonder. But that's not necessarily the case.
「逆じゃないの？ 家族の絆が強まったのでは？」と思う人もいるはずだが、そうとは限らない。
Why? The biggest reason seems to be the way families are reacting differently to the earthquake and ensuing tsunami and the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant.
なぜなのか。震災や原発事故の受け取り方が家族によって違うことが、最大の理由のようだ。
One woman came up to me, saying, "I cannot tolerate my 'difference in the way of thinking' with my husband." ある女性は「夫との“温度差”に耐えられない」と言っていた。
She was deeply shocked by the disaster and considered sending relief supplies and monetary donations and going to disaster-hit areas to do volunteer work.
彼女は震災に大きなショックを受け、支援物資や義援金を送り、ボランティアにも行きたい、と考えた。
But her husband gave her a frosty look and said, "You will be of no use at all even if you go there. If you have such energy, why don't you brush up on your cooking skills?"
ところが彼女の夫は、そんな妻を冷ややかな目で見ながら、こう言ったというのだ。「キミが行っても何の役にも立たないよ。そんな余力があるなら、少しでも料理の腕をあげてほしいものだね」。
"It's natural that I feel I want to do something for devastated areas. I question my husband's humanity. I want to divorce him," she angrily said.
女性は「被災地のために何かしたい、と思うのは自然な感情。夫の人間性を疑う。もう離婚したい」と憤慨した調子で語った。
Of course, she felt hurt when her offer of goodwill was rebuked by her husband in such a rude manner. But I am not sure what her husband said reflects his real thoughts.
たしかに、そんな言われ方をしたら傷つくだろう。ただ、その夫が口にしたことが本心からの発言なのかどうかは、わからない。
Her husband may also be in pain over the disaster and really feels miserable about his helplessness to do something about it, and that may be why he responded cynically to her remarks.
もしかすると夫も深く心を痛め、何もできない自分を情けなく思っているからこそ、先走ろうとする妻に対してつい皮肉を言ったのかもしれない。
I counseled her, "Nobody can keep calm right now. Please don't try to judge his human qualities by his remarks."
私は「いまは誰もが平常心ではいられないのです。その発言だけから夫の人間性を判断しようとしないで」と女性に伝えた。
Then there is another case where a woman, trying to lead "a business as usual life as much as possible," is fed up with her mother who is nervous about fears of radioactive materials, and a family feud ensues.
逆のパターンもある。放射性物質を恐れて神経質になる母親を見て、「なるべくふつう通りの生活を」を心がける娘がうんざりし、言い争いになる。
"The family relationship is getting strained. It's a victim of the nuclear accident," the woman said with a wry smile.
「家族関係がギクシャクしちゃって……。これも原発事故の被害ではないでしょうか」と、娘は苦笑した。
Most people are thinking, "We want to do something for the victims of the disaster." But at the same time, they also believe, "We have to protect ourselves first, too."
ほとんどの人は、「被災した人のために何かしたい」と思っている。また同時に、「自分の身は自分で守らなければ」とも思っている。
But it is up to each individual as to how they think and act.
そこでどう考え、どう行動に移すかは、あくまでひとりひとりの問題。
Even family members behave differently.
家族のあいだでも当然、差が出てくることもあるだろう。
Under these circumstances, a difference in individual sense of values comes to the fore, prompting some people to say they are disappointed or want a divorce. I think it's a little bit sad.
そこで価値観の違いが浮き彫りになって、幻滅したとか離婚話が出たとかいうのは、ちょっと寂しい話のような気がする。
It is only natural that people are reacting differently to a disaster of this magnitude.
これだけの災害なのだから、受けとめ方がそれぞれ違うのは、あたりまえ。
Everyone should think, "Hmmm, people are different." I don't want you to brand people around you with words like "my husband is a cold-hearted man," or "my mother is self-centered." Don't overly criticize them or try to correct their way of thinking.
ここは「なるほど。人それぞれ違うものだな」くらいに考えて、「夫は冷酷人間」「母親は自分だけ助かればいいという自己チュー気質」などと決めつけ、非難したり考え方を訂正したりしようとしすぎないでほしい。
There is no need to forcibly unify people's attitudes and the way of thinking of family members.
もちろん、家族の態度や考え方を無理にひとつにまとめる必要もない。
Disaster-induced divorces are not a laughing matter.
震災離婚なんてシャレにもならないではないか。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2011年5月10日 地方版
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: It's natural to react differently to disaster
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：違ってあたり前 ／東京
A growing number of patients have been coming to my consultation room after the Great East Japan Earthquake saying, "Family bonds are turning sour."
震災以来、診察室で「家族仲が悪くなった」と訴える人が増えている。
"Isn't it the other way around? Aren't family ties getting closer?" other people wonder. But that's not necessarily the case.
「逆じゃないの？ 家族の絆が強まったのでは？」と思う人もいるはずだが、そうとは限らない。
Why? The biggest reason seems to be the way families are reacting differently to the earthquake and ensuing tsunami and the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant.
なぜなのか。震災や原発事故の受け取り方が家族によって違うことが、最大の理由のようだ。
One woman came up to me, saying, "I cannot tolerate my 'difference in the way of thinking' with my husband." ある女性は「夫との“温度差”に耐えられない」と言っていた。
She was deeply shocked by the disaster and considered sending relief supplies and monetary donations and going to disaster-hit areas to do volunteer work.
彼女は震災に大きなショックを受け、支援物資や義援金を送り、ボランティアにも行きたい、と考えた。
But her husband gave her a frosty look and said, "You will be of no use at all even if you go there. If you have such energy, why don't you brush up on your cooking skills?"
ところが彼女の夫は、そんな妻を冷ややかな目で見ながら、こう言ったというのだ。「キミが行っても何の役にも立たないよ。そんな余力があるなら、少しでも料理の腕をあげてほしいものだね」。
"It's natural that I feel I want to do something for devastated areas. I question my husband's humanity. I want to divorce him," she angrily said.
女性は「被災地のために何かしたい、と思うのは自然な感情。夫の人間性を疑う。もう離婚したい」と憤慨した調子で語った。
Of course, she felt hurt when her offer of goodwill was rebuked by her husband in such a rude manner. But I am not sure what her husband said reflects his real thoughts.
たしかに、そんな言われ方をしたら傷つくだろう。ただ、その夫が口にしたことが本心からの発言なのかどうかは、わからない。
Her husband may also be in pain over the disaster and really feels miserable about his helplessness to do something about it, and that may be why he responded cynically to her remarks.
もしかすると夫も深く心を痛め、何もできない自分を情けなく思っているからこそ、先走ろうとする妻に対してつい皮肉を言ったのかもしれない。
I counseled her, "Nobody can keep calm right now. Please don't try to judge his human qualities by his remarks."
私は「いまは誰もが平常心ではいられないのです。その発言だけから夫の人間性を判断しようとしないで」と女性に伝えた。
Then there is another case where a woman, trying to lead "a business as usual life as much as possible," is fed up with her mother who is nervous about fears of radioactive materials, and a family feud ensues.
逆のパターンもある。放射性物質を恐れて神経質になる母親を見て、「なるべくふつう通りの生活を」を心がける娘がうんざりし、言い争いになる。
"The family relationship is getting strained. It's a victim of the nuclear accident," the woman said with a wry smile.
「家族関係がギクシャクしちゃって……。これも原発事故の被害ではないでしょうか」と、娘は苦笑した。
Most people are thinking, "We want to do something for the victims of the disaster." But at the same time, they also believe, "We have to protect ourselves first, too."
ほとんどの人は、「被災した人のために何かしたい」と思っている。また同時に、「自分の身は自分で守らなければ」とも思っている。
But it is up to each individual as to how they think and act.
そこでどう考え、どう行動に移すかは、あくまでひとりひとりの問題。
Even family members behave differently.
家族のあいだでも当然、差が出てくることもあるだろう。
Under these circumstances, a difference in individual sense of values comes to the fore, prompting some people to say they are disappointed or want a divorce. I think it's a little bit sad.
そこで価値観の違いが浮き彫りになって、幻滅したとか離婚話が出たとかいうのは、ちょっと寂しい話のような気がする。
It is only natural that people are reacting differently to a disaster of this magnitude.
これだけの災害なのだから、受けとめ方がそれぞれ違うのは、あたりまえ。
Everyone should think, "Hmmm, people are different." I don't want you to brand people around you with words like "my husband is a cold-hearted man," or "my mother is self-centered." Don't overly criticize them or try to correct their way of thinking.
ここは「なるほど。人それぞれ違うものだな」くらいに考えて、「夫は冷酷人間」「母親は自分だけ助かればいいという自己チュー気質」などと決めつけ、非難したり考え方を訂正したりしようとしすぎないでほしい。
There is no need to forcibly unify people's attitudes and the way of thinking of family members.
もちろん、家族の態度や考え方を無理にひとつにまとめる必要もない。
Disaster-induced divorces are not a laughing matter.
震災離婚なんてシャレにもならないではないか。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2011年5月10日 地方版
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